A drunk duo left a man with a broken cheekbone and permanent scarring to his face after attacking him in a city centre bar.
Drug dealer Jonathon Plews and his pal Michael Liddon were on a night out in Newcastle with their partners, having visited the city from their native Leeds. A court heard that the pair came across two other men, who they initially befriended, before violence erupted in Tokyo Bar.
Prosecutors said that, for no apparent reason and while the first victim's back was turned, Plews punched the man with such force that he had to take a step back to deliver it. Seconds later, Liddon also struck the man, punching him at least six times to the face, Newcastle Crown Court was told.
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High on booze and cocaine, Plews then turned his attention on the victim's pal and hit him a number of times, causing bruising and swelling. The attacks were captured on CCTV and both men were later arrested.
Plews, 35, who is currently serving a prison sentence for drug dealing but is formerly of Hanover Place, in Leeds, has now been locked up for a further 14 months after he pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm without intent and assault occasioning actual bodily harm. Liddon, 36, of West Street, in Wakefield, was given an 18-month prison sentence suspended for two years after he admitted causing grievous bodily harm without intent.
Rachael Glover, prosecuting, said the two victims were enjoying a night out in Newcastle city centre on December 3, 2021 and started speaking to Plews, Liddon and their partners inside Flares. Ms Glover continued: "They stayed together drinking alcohol then moved to Toyko Bar."
The court heard that Plews then suddenly punched one of the victims while his back was turned before Liddon also joined in, striking him six times. Plews then also assaulted the second man, who wasn't as seriously injured as he managed to cover his face.
Ms Glover said the first victim was taken to hospital and had to have corrective surgery for a broken cheekbone. She added: "He has been left with a permanent scar to the side of his face and continued pain to his face and ribs."
The court was told that both Plews, who had taken cocaine at the time, and Liddon had previous convictions for violence. John Wilkinson, defending Liddon, said he was now a father to an eight-month old child and had gained employment.
Mr Wilkinson added: "Tragically, he lost his father suddenly and unexpectedly towards the end of last year. That hit him particularly badly and it's caused him, on occasion, not to be able to work because of the depression he has been suffering."
Mohammed Rafiq, defending Plews, said he hadn't been convicted of a violent offence since 2015. He told the court: "The defendant perceived that at least one of the men was sat with his girlfriend and was making inappropriate remarks. This led, as a result of a bit of alcohol and some drugs, to the start of this."
Liddon was also ordered to abide by a five-month curfew from 7pm until 5am and must pay the victim £750 compensation. Judge James Adkin, the the Recorder of Durham, said: "I have watched the CCTV.
"You, Plews, launched an unprovoked, late-night, city centre, violent attack on [the victim] as he was turned away. It was a surprise punch. You stepped back in order to get extra power in that punch. Liddon, you then punched him six times."
